Seattle, the home Seattle Sounders FC, was on a standstill on Sunday when the triumphant team made its way into the city. The Washington-based soccer club had just returned home from Canada, where they were crowned the new MLS Cup champions after beating Toronto FC 5-4 on post-match penalties on Saturday.
Sounders manager Brian Schmezter displays the MLS Cup to fans upon arriving in SeattleThe Boeing Field was the exact venue of the pomp and color as the team touched down on home soil with the silver trophy in their hands. Fans chanted, ''Thank you, Sounders! Thank you, Sounders!’’ as players lifted the trophy above their heads and joined the celebrations.
WATCH: Sounders star Cristian Roldan gives fans a touch of the trophy
seattletimes: RT DBeekman: Cristian Roldan shares the trophy with the crowd https://t.co/qBWMDMgAvz pic.twitter.com/FWYF0WSNZA
— living waters (@tabanks360) December 12, 2016
In the final, both sides played a careful game as they were making their first appearance at this stage of this prestigious competition. So careful was the game that Sounders had no shot on target from kick-off to extra time. But their tactics paid off in the penalty shootouts when Roman Torres (pictured below) scored the winning goal in the sixth round of penalties to give his side the coveted title. Sounders players prepare to receive their first-ever MLS Cup title after downing TFC at the BMO Field
But how does a team with no shot on goal in 120 minutes end up being crowned champions? That was the question lingering in the minds of many football fans after the historic victory. Was it a matter of luck or a tactical approach? Well, here’s what some football fans had to say about it:
What a sport. What a league. No shots on goal til penalty kicks, Seattle Sounders win MLS Cup over TFC. With three scrubs doing the kicking.
— David Shoalts (@dshoalts) December 11, 2016
Seattle Sounders register ZERO shots on goal in 120 minutes and are MLS Cup Champs because.... soccer!
— Dan Larson (@larsond55) December 11, 2016
Seattle Sounders have 0 shots on goal but still win MLS Cup! Thats like winning a Presidential election w/o winning popular vote! Not fair!!
— Chasmataz (@chasb75) December 11, 2016
Then there was the heroic performance of Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei. The Swiss shot-stopper kept TFC’s forward at bay with a series of brilliant saves, especially when his side’s defence was caught napping several times.
Here’s one of those trending saves:
When you think back to the 2016 #MLSCup, you're going to remember one thing in particular: *that* save: https://t.co/lLQ1c4jKd8 pic.twitter.com/NJQsyfiBjF
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 11, 2016
And he's a really lucky man, we must say!
December 10, 2013 --> traded from Toronto to Seattle
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 11, 2016
December 10, 2016 --> #MLSCup Champion pic.twitter.com/EXtSYHQI6r
The newly-crowned Champions are expected to hold a ''Thank You'' rally in Downtown Seattle on Tuesday, December 13 at midday in front of thousands of their loyal fans. According to a statement released on the club’s official website, the march route will be provided before Tuesday after consultation with the City of Seattle and other civic constituents. But all in all, hats off, The Mighty Sounders! Youare worthy champions!
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